RFEM
RFEM: A Windows desktop tool for structural engineers modeling and analyzing members, surfaces, and solids. Ranked #43 of 69 in Simulation Software by our editors (4.8/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for structural engineers running finite-element analyses.
At a glance
- Editor score4.8 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forStructural engineers running finite-element analyses
- Free planNo
- Cloud deploymentNo
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Models members, surfaces, and solids in three dimensions
- Covers linear, nonlinear, stability, buckling, dynamic, and seismic analysis
- Modular add-ons support structural design workflows
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop deployment only
- No free plan
- Pricing requires contacting Dlubal Software
Our verdict on RFEM
RFEM is Dlubal Software’s three-dimensional finite-element analysis application for structural engineers. It supports models built from members, surfaces, and solids, with workflows covering steel, concrete, timber, and other structural materials. Small, mid-market, and enterprise practices may consider it when their work centers on structural simulation rather than general-purpose simulation methods.
Its analysis scope is a key strength: RFEM supports linear and nonlinear calculations, stability and buckling studies, and dynamic and seismic analysis. Material and cross-section libraries support model definition, while result visualization and evaluation help users inspect analysis outputs. The modular add-on architecture extends the application into structural design workflows. This focus makes RFEM a fit for teams that need finite-element modeling and structural analysis in one engineering application, rather than discrete-event, system-dynamics, or agent-based simulation.
RFEM is desktop software for Windows, so organizations looking for cloud deployment or another platform should consider alternatives. It is proprietary and has no free plan. According to the vendor’s product page, prospective customers are directed to contact Dlubal Software for pricing rather than choosing from a published numeric price. That sales-led route may suit practices evaluating a specialized engineering package, but it gives buyers no public plan comparison to use as a first screening step. Choose RFEM if structural finite-element analysis and design workflows are central; look elsewhere if broad simulation paradigms, cloud access, or publicly listed pricing are priorities.
Your product? Our editors can test RFEM in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
RFEM pricing
RFEM fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Discrete-event models | No |
| System-dynamics models | No |
| Agent-based models | No |
| Finite-element analysis | Yes |
| Multiphysics simulation | Not verified |
| Cloud deployment | No |
| API access | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Website | dlubal.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to RFEM
- SimulinkA broad engineering simulation environment for modeling, verification, and code generation.9.4
- COMSOL MultiphysicsA desktop environment for coupled physics models, engineering studies, and custom simulation apps.9.3
- Ansys FluentA broad CFD toolkit for engineering teams that need advanced physics and scalable solving.9.2
Also Ranked In
RFEM is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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